Faith in Drag

The second of the Ten Commandments is quite clear in its prohibition of idols, saying that 'thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image'. And yet the making and selling of such objects has become a thriving business today. Christians have been historically ambivalent about devotional objects and images. The early Protestants in Europe disliked them so much that they stripped churches bare of any ornamentation—and today, many people lament the rise of so-called Christian kitsch—the sacred version of snow domes and souvenir tea towels, which one of today's guests refers to as 'a kind of faith in drag'.

Other traditions, such as Hinduism, are more relaxed about the role of devotional objects in religious practice – but even so, the secular appropriation of such objects can cause a stir from time to time.

This week Allison Chan explores the world of religious material culture.

David Miller, Atheist Society :

Mark :

Ed :

13 Mar 2014 10:07:11pm

The program "faith in drag" was well-researched, enriched with a stark contrast between symbols, objects and kitsch. The message about the appropriateness of devotional objects was rightly cut through with ample interviews and cases drawn from Hindu and various Protestants’ associates. From a deity perspective, it is imperative for religious follower (and those non-believers) to understand and respect but not to condemn the counterparts.